Bespoke tailoring is a form of craftsmanship in which clothing is custom-made from scratch to suit an individual buyer’s specifications. Despite the increasing popularity of mass-produced and ready-to-wear clothing, this traditional method of tailoring garments has stood the test of time, and owning a bespoke suit is something that men continue to take great pride in. In today’s blog, we’ll be unpacking everything you need to know about bespoke tailoring and why this practice continues to be in demand to this day.
The History of Bespoke Tailoring
Before the Industrial Revolution took place in the 18th century and sewing machines became commonplace, every item of clothing was handmade by tailors. At first, clothing was used as a way to protect people from the elements, but as time went on, individuals honed in on their skills and sewing became a specialty for some. As society evolved, clothing transitioned from being a necessity into an item that signified class and provided style and comfort. Just like that, bespoke tailoring was born.
The distinction between bespoke tailoring ready-to-wear clothing began in the early 1800s when the sewing machine was introduced, and clothing could be manufactured in great numbers at a low cost. Bespoke tailoring was still the preferred choice for individuals that could afford it as the fit and style of those garments was superior to that of mass-produced clothing.
By the 1960s, fusing, a method that joins outer fabric with interlining via an adhesive, became a standard procedure in the ready-to-wear industry. Bespoke tailors stuck to the traditional hand-sewn interlinings and used the term “fusing” as a derogatory term to distinguish their garments from factory-made ones.
As casual, low-priced clothing became the norm in the 1970s and 1980s, demand for bespoke tailoring declined. In recent years, young people have shown more interest in handmade apparel and there’s been an emphasis on quality instead of quantity. Investing in a bespoke tailored garment has become somewhat of a wardrobe essential.
The Benefits of Bespoke Tailoring
When you get a suit made by hand based on an individual pattern, you get more than just a garment – you get an experience. Bespoke garments require a series of fittings to be made, and each aesthetic detail is carefully planned out and executed according to your specifications. The end result is a bespoke suit that is personalized just for you, will fit you like a glove, and be of such good quality it will last you upwards of 20 years.
Bespoke Tailoring VS Made-To-Measure
Individuals often confuse bespoke tailoring with made-to-measure garments, and while both of these options are customized according to a client’s measurements, there are significant differences between the two. When clothes are made-to-measure, an existing ready-to-wear pattern is used. This shortcut can sometimes lead to less than satisfactory results if the existing pattern can’t adapt to the irregularities in a person’s figure. The garment may end up looking like it is made for a specific brand as opposed to a particular person.
By contrast, bespoke tailored suits are created with a pattern that is custom made from scratch. This process takes much longer than the made-to-measure process, and several fittings are conducted to ensure the suit you’re buying is nothing less than perfection. Bespoke suits are created for an individual, and every minute detail from the fabric to the pattern to the design is tailored according to a customer’s taste.
Bespoke suits, on average, cost anywhere from $3000-$5000, but the end result of purchasing one is well worth the extra cost. There’s simply no comparable alternative to bespoke garments, and these pieces are the epitome of style, fashion, and class.
Why Love Your Tailor
At Love Your Tailor, we know what’s required to take a garment to the next level. Our team of highly sought-after tailors and seamstresses specialize in women’s and men’s alterations, repairs, and remodelling for suits, coats, dresses, pants, and much more. With over 25 years of experience and top-of-the-line technology at our 10,000 square foot factory, we’re a tailoring service Torontonians can trust. We even offer our customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee so that they can be extra confident in the tailoring and alteration services they are getting. Contact us today to get a free quote on our professional alteration services!